Brewer Sam Wright's Description: I was going for an approachable Belgian beer that people could drink more than one of. I wanted to use a simple malt bill with British crystal malts to provide a nice sweetness that doesn't get muddled with the yeast character and the hops. To add an American element, Chinook hops were used for bittering, which adds a piney flavor. Saaz hops were added for aroma that blends well with the yeast. I selected a yeast that adds Belgian yeast character without going overboard with phenols. I wanted to make a beer that used ingredients from disparate brewing traditions that worked well together.

Saint Arnold Icon (No. 1) has a thick, creamy, cream-colored head, some thick lacing left behind, and a clear, copper appearance, with lots of tiny bubble streams. The aroma is faint, but one can detect fruitiness (think of strawberries) and bread crust. Taste is of brown bread, bread crust, lighter-than-average molasses, some hop bitterness, and there is a bit of a malt liquor alcohol twang present as well. Mouthfeel is light and watery, and Saint Arnold Icon (No. 1) finises dry, crisp, refreshing, and drinkable. Overall, this is a very mild and easy-going beer. It’s worth checking out, but probably won’t be on the shelves for long, with it’s limited release.